Journal article
Reframing computed tomography-associated cancer concerns in lifesaving screening: keeping the focus on lives saved
Lancet Regional Health - Americas (Online), v 58, 101451
Jun 2026
PMID: 41859753
Featured in Collection : Drexel's Newest Publications
Abstract
Governments and health systems across the Americas are actively expanding access to lung cancer screening using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT). Our Viewpoint addresses renewed controversy surrounding cancer risks from CT radiation exposure, particularly in the context of LDCT lung cancer screening and early detection. While model-based projections of radiation-induced cancer risks offer useful insights, they risk overstating harm when divorced from real-world evidence of LDCT mortality benefit and safety profile, as well as from ongoing device and protocol refinements that have progressively reduced radiation exposure. Given the persistently low screening uptake and striking disparities in access among high-risk populations, overemphasis on projected risks may deter participation in the only validated screening intervention proven to reduce lung cancer mortality. We argue that the focus must remain on expanding access to high-quality LDCT screening and fostering clear, evidence-based communication that promotes informed decision-making, strengthens public trust, and advances health equity.
Metrics
1 Record Views
Details
- Title
- Reframing computed tomography-associated cancer concerns in lifesaving screening: keeping the focus on lives saved
- Creators
- Elochukwu Ezenwankwo - Drexel University, Health Management and PolicyDaniel Nnate - Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital NHS TrustRoger Y. Kim - University of PennsylvaniaJan M. Eberth - Drexel University, Health Management and PolicyYeon Wook Kim - Seoul National University Bundang Hospital
- Publication Details
- Lancet Regional Health - Americas (Online), v 58, 101451
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ltd
- Number of pages
- 7
- Grant note
- National Cancer Institute: K08CA279881 American Cancer Society: ACS IRG-22-150-41-IRG Respiratory Health Association
Declaration of interests RYK reports receiving research funding from the National Cancer Institute (K08CA279881) , the American Cancer Society (ACS IRG-22-150-41-IRG) , and the Respiratory Health Association; consulting fees from Guidepoint; expert testimony payments from Cambridge Medical Experts; and stock ownership in Amgen. JME reports support to attend the National Lung Cancer Roundtable Annual Meeting and serves as an unpaid member of the GO2 for Lung Cancer Global Scientific Advisory Board. All other authors declare no competing interests. The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the positions of their affiliated institutions.
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Health Management and Policy
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001718078700001
- Other Identifier
- 991022170455204721
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This publication has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Source: SDGs in the Output
InCites Highlights
Data related to this publication, from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool:
- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Health Care Sciences & Services
- Public, Environmental & Occupational Health